Up to 70,000 people in Limerick as city bursts into life for St Patrick's Day

A MARATHON champion, some clowning around and up to 70,000 people lining Limerick’s streets meant the city’s St Patrick’s Day Parade burst into life.

Some 65 entries, involving thousands of participants, filled the city with colour, music, and an unstoppable sense of community.

Grand marshal Ava Crean, Limerick’s own marathon hero, pictured below, and her clubmates from Back 2 Boston Running Club received a warm welcome on the parade route from O’Connell Street on to Henry Street and onward to Arthur’s Quay Park, where a post‑parade Block Party kept celebrations going.

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Her presence highlighted this year’s Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival theme, ‘Legends of Limerick’ celebrating local heroes, achievers and inspirational community figures.

This year’s parade also delivered some unforgettable visual highlights, including the breathtaking aerial artistry of Fidget Feet and the colourful mayhem of the Irish National Clown Orchestra of Ireland who brought laughter and music in equal measure.

Youth organisations, dance schools, scout troops and cultural groups all added colour and energy.

They were joined by a rich mix of sports clubs, migrant communities, musicians, performers and creative ensembles - reflecting the inclusive, multicultural and community‑driven spirit that continues to define Limerick’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Mayor John Moran said the festival once again highlighted the city and county’s strong community spirit and pride:

“This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival has been a wonderful celebration of Limerick and its people. It was fantastic to see thousands lining the city streets for both parades and enjoying the many events across the weekend as well as the open air concert in Arthur’s Quay Park last night, which was a fantastic addition. Our parade Grand Marshal Ava Crean was a wonderful choice to represent the Legends of Limerick theme, and it was a joy to see so many community groups, performers and volunteers contributing to such a colourful and uplifting celebration.”

As is tradition, the parade was led out by the army flag, and followed by a local Limerick group, the Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band.

A number of well-loved local volunteer groups were represented including the Irish Red Cross, Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention and Limerick Marine Search and Rescue.

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Grand marshal Ms Crean arrived to the parade alongside Mayor of Limerick John Moran.

Many of Limerick's newer communities proudly marched through the city, including groups from Poland, India, Ukraine and Philippines.

Also taking part were county football champions Mungret GAA Club and Limerick’s hurling kings from Na Piarsaigh.

Limerick's proud musical heritage was also reflected, with performances from St Mary's Fife and Drum Band, and the CBS Pipe Band among others.